(Peru, Neb.) Peru State College (PSC) officials announced today that enrollment continues to remain strong. PSC’s preliminary total number of students enrolled for spring 2011 semester stands at 1927 as of January 19, 2011. On-campus student enrollment is up almost 9 percent over this time last year, and approximately 30 more students are living in the residence halls.

PSC President Dan Hanson said, “Peru State College’s focus on student achievement and engagement is resulting in better retention and more interest in the college. We will continue to build a student experience that is relevant, providing a quality education for all students at Peru State College.”

The College’s unique One Rate, Any State program which allows all students, regardless of residency, the opportunity to pay the same low tuition rate as Nebraska residents continues to be very successful. This three-year pilot program, approved by the Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Board of Trustees in the summer of 2009 for trial at Peru State College exclusively, is in its second year. During the two years since the program’s inception, out-of-state enrollment has increased by 37 percent to 580 students. The number of on-campus students from out-of-state has increased by 86 percent to 201 students.

This increased on-campus enrollment has created a greater demand on the residence halls. The NSCS Board of Trustees has responded to this housing need by authorizing the sale of revenue bonds to complete a renovation project that was partially completed in Morgan Hall in 2004. Plans are underway to complete renovations to Morgan Hall, a women’s residence hall, by fall of 2012. This initiative will provide an additional 35 rooms to meet growing demand. Hanson noted, “I appreciate the Board’s support of PSC’s growth and its recognition of the important role the College plays in Southeast Nebraska.”